Executive producer Steven Moffat adds that the Doctor has become "Scrooge" since loss of Amy and Rory

Doctor Who is to turn into “Scrooge” as part of this year’s Christmas Special on BBC1.

The episode will be called The Snowman and will feature the first flirty scenes between Doctor Who, played by Matt Smith and new companion Jenna-Louise Coleman.

Executive producer Steven Moffat said: “The Doctor at Christmas is one of my favourite things - but this year it’s different. He’s lost Amy and Rory to the Weeping Angels, and he’s not in a good place: in fact, he’s Scrooge. He’s withdrawn from the world and no longer cares what happens to it.

“So when all of humanity hangs in the balance, can anyone persuade a tired and heartbroken Doctor that it’s time to return to the good fight. Enter Jenna Louise Coleman...”

Matt Smith, 30, said: “For this year’s Christmas special we have the wonderfully villainous Richard E Grant as Doctor Simeon. As well as lizards, Victorian assassins and deranged warriors from the future who all return to convince the Doctor that he should board the TARDIS again and save the world.

"Add to that Jenna-Louise Coleman and so begins the Christmas Special 2012. I hope everyone enjoys it!”

After the Christmas Special there will be a further eight episodes of Doctor Who in Spring next year featuring Matt and Jenna.